Industry

Ronald McDonald bloodstock auction exceeds fundraising target

Bloodstock Auction’s second Annual Online Stallion Cover Charity Auction has exceeded its fundraising goal, raising more than $100,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney.

After the first annual auction netted $50,000 in 2017, Bloodstock Auction Director Anthony Gafa set his sights set on doubling the tally in its second year, and was ecstatic to have exceeded the target.

Bloodstock Auction Director, Anthony Gafa said “After last year’s success, and seeing how well it was received by the industry, we set our sights on $100,000 this year. We were optimistic the industry would get behind such a great cause again and they didn’t disappoint.”

“Not only did we double last year’s tally, we also exceeded our target and raised $101,250, which will benefit seriously ill children and their families.”

The auction featured over 70 stallion covers from some of the best and most successful stallions in both Australia and New Zealand. Stallions owners and Stud Masters donated their stallion covers, electing to donate either 50% or 100% of the proceeds towards the cause. Many of the donations were unreserved.

“My team and I have been absolutely blown away by the support and generosity from the industry. From the bottom of my heart, I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved. Whether you donated a cover, bid on a cover, bought a cover or simply helped us get the word out, we couldn’t have done it without you,” said Mr Gafa.

In 2017, the funds raised were directed towards finalizing construction on the new, 60-room Ronald McDonald House at Westmead, with the new facility officially opening in February, 2018.

The new premises can accommodate more than 1,360 families each year, and has also meant turning away families a thing of the past. With the previous 18-room House consistently at capacity, up to 400 families were turned away in 2017 alone due to lack of capacity.

As a result of the increased number of families the House is now able to support, operational costs have also risen steeply.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney CEO, Belinda Woolford said “Each night, we provide accommodation for up to 60 families with seriously ill children, during what is often the most challenging time of their lives, support from companies like Bloodstock Auctions is vital to the charity, allowing us to continue the support we give to families. It can cost up to $154 per night to provide a room for a family, so this generous donation from Bloodstock Auction and their community of stallion owners and bidders will go a long way to ensuring families can stay together while their child receives vital hospital treatment.”

Anyone who missed the auction or would like to donate to Ronald McDonald House Westmead can do so online at rmhc.org.au/westmead or call the House on (02) 9806 7111 to donate over the phone.